Florida Judge Destroys Dems Recount Dreams

A Broward judge has ruled in favor of Gov. Rick Scott and says Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes must “allow immediate” viewing and copying of records that have been requested.

The judge added that it must be completed by 7 p.m.

The lawsuit in Broward filed against Snipes claimed that her office was withholding crucial voter information and has blocked access to the office. At the emergency hearing on Friday, Scott’s lawyers said this was a “simple” case about access to Broward ballots. It’s not about how votes are counted or inspecting ballots.

“This information Supervisor of Elections should have already compiled and saved,” he added, “It should take 10 minutes to do.”

An attorney for Snipes said she, “never told them she wouldn’t provide the information.” Snipe’s attorney noted that the records request was made just 26 hours before and the information requested was “fundamental to count the vote.”

Scott has filed a second lawsuit against Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, accuses her of refusing to allow Scott’s representatives to personally witness the ballot counting. The suit also accuses Bucher of keeping the county canvassing board from performing its duties.

Judge says SOE Snipes must allow immediate inspection of records, plus no spoliation of records requested — on or before 7 pm tonight.

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips — citing case that says if in doubt rule toward open records, and statute that says elections officials should know total number of ballots as soon as polls are closed — says there is a violation of the Florida Constitution and public records act.@NBC6

BREAKING: Judge finds Broward County violated constitution by not following open records laws, orders election officials to comply by 7pm. Ruling does not address allegations of fraud. @nbc6pic.twitter.com/M1rK2RPsWj